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Huawei and HKU's Smart Campus Initiative

On December 12, 2024, Huawei and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) held a launch ceremony to introduce the "Hong Kong University and Huawei Global Smart Campus Network Showcase." This collaboration marks a new milestone in the institutions' joint efforts to develop intelligent campus network connectivity and infrastructure. Both parties are committed to accelerating HKU's digital transformation while creating a global showcase for smart campus innovation that serves as a reference and inspiration for universities worldwide.

Leadership and Vision

At the launch ceremony, several prominent leaders from both Huawei and HKU were present, including Flora Ng, the Chief Information Officer and University Librarian at HKU, and Jason He, President of Huawei's Global Enterprise Data Communication Marketing Solution Sales Department. Flora Ng emphasized HKU's dedication to providing a world-class teaching and research environment for global academics and promoting the integration of education and technology. She stated, "This year marks the 112th anniversary of HKU Libraries, which have become a vital platform for global academic research for over a century. Building a smart campus is critical to delivering high-quality educational services in the face of diversifying educational needs and accelerating digital transformation."

To support this vision, Ng highlighted the establishment of a high-quality 10 Gbps campus network powered by Wi-Fi 7, implemented across various scenarios such as libraries, the main building, classrooms, and HKU Station. This robust installation provides stable and seamless network connectivity for smart classrooms, libraries, study rooms, and auditoriums, laying a solid foundation for HKU's smart campus. Looking ahead, both parties plan to continue collaborating closely on intelligent networks and explore scenarios related to network security, smart Operations and Maintenance (OM), and the Internet of Things (IoT) for smart campuses. This initiative aims to foster a safer, more efficient, and smarter educational environment, thereby supporting the digital transformation of the education sector.

Technological Innovations

Jason He, in his speech, pointed out that education is increasingly integrating with digital technology. Huawei plans to leverage its unique expertise and strengths in the ICT field to assist HKU in innovating its scientific research, teaching activities, and management processes. The high-quality 10 Gbps campus network solution, enhanced by Wi-Fi 7, brings three types of experience upgrades: improved wireless experience, application experience, and Operations and Maintenance experience. This solution caters to various campus-specific needs while ensuring data security, resulting in a completely new network experience.

As the digital era ushers in online examinations, live classes, conferences, and ceremonies, modern campus networks face higher performance demands. In smart classroom scenarios, delivering the best teaching experience is a fundamental priority. Huawei's high-quality 10 Gbps campus network solution meets these requirements. Utilizing the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, the solution significantly increases the network bandwidth needed for 4K/8K HD interactive teaching in smart classrooms. Additional features such as application assurance, which automatically identifies and prioritizes critical teaching applications, contribute to enhancing the overall teaching experience.

Future Prospects

The initiative also benefits HKU’s historic Loke Yew Hall and various libraries, which have installed the latest Wi-Fi 7 access points, guaranteeing seamless network connectivity during peak periods of online exams and celebratory events. This collaboration signifies an important step toward a smarter education system, linking smart campus connectivity with the future of education. Jason He affirmed, "Going forward, Huawei will continue its partnership with HKU to create a high-quality educational environment that solidifies HKU's leadership position in global higher education. This collaboration could also serve as an excellent example for more universities in Hong Kong to embark on their digital education journeys."

Through this initiative, both organizations are paving the way for a smarter educational landscape, exemplifying how technology can significantly enhance the academic experience.